Rick Middleton

Rick is a guitarist, double bassist, ukuele player, sound engineer (live and in the studio) and plays a number of Chinese instruments.  He leads More Music’s Long Walk Chinese Ensemble, a weekly session for people interested in learning to play traditional Chinese instruments. He has travelled to China to learn from accomplished Chinese musicians. The Long Walk Chinese Orchestra has performed at festivals and events across the county and in China.

Rick plays double bass and mandolin in ceilidh band Striding Edge, one of Cumbria’s most in demand function bands, He also plays double bass, banjo, guitar and mandolin in anarcho punk-folk band Mike Willoughby’s Raving Rock.  As a live sound engineer, he is has worked with many acclaimed artists including Rae Morris, This Is The Kit, Rozi Plain and Lemn Sissay.

“My signature workshop is Chinese music workshops, where I talk about the instruments and Chinese culture. Children enjoy learning about and playing the instruments, singing the songs and parading with our Chinese dragon.”

“My major musical influences are 1980s and 1990s, the tail end of punk, electro pop, new romantics, Spandau Ballet, Depeche Mode, Led Zeppelin and grunge. Most recently jazz, work music.”

Rick can deliver workshops in samba drumming, African drumming, chinese music workshops, rock school (guitar/bass/drums skills and vocals) and primary school singing.